Plumpjack is greatness...plain and simple. Begun in 1973 by proprietors James and Anne McWilliams, the vineyard and winery rapidly gained attention for producing dynamic, long-lived wines, with particular emphasis on the estate and reserve Cabernet Sauvignons. Their Oakville vineyard has a wide diversity of soils reflective of its special position at the base of the Vaca Range, making it a unique marriage of a hillside vineyard and a classic valley floor site.
But we would not do the winery justice if we did not mention their incredible Chardonnay. Where many California Chardonnays are aged in 100% new barrels and go through secondary fermentation, Plumpjack ferments 65% of their Chardonnay in stainless steel, and this portion of the wine does not go through the secondary fermentation. What you get is a wine so layered and complex that it can take some time to unpack.
The 2024 PlumpJack Reserve Chardonnay strikes a graceful balance between freshness and richness, combining the vibrant style of the cooler Carneros region with the more opulent style of the warmer St. Helena region. The nose opens with fresh aromas of lemon zest and Honeycrisp apple followed by richer, sweeter notes of apricot, orange blossom, and honeycomb. A touch of oak spice and some minerality bring depth and complexity to the nose. The palate has a bright, lively, refreshing acidity that is balanced by a creamy texture reminiscent of lemon custard. The wine is framed by a taut structure that creates tension and energy, leading into an enduring finish.
But we would not do the winery justice if we did not mention their incredible Chardonnay. Where many California Chardonnays are aged in 100% new barrels and go through secondary fermentation, Plumpjack ferments 65% of their Chardonnay in stainless steel, and this portion of the wine does not go through the secondary fermentation. What you get is a wine so layered and complex that it can take some time to unpack.
The 2024 PlumpJack Reserve Chardonnay strikes a graceful balance between freshness and richness, combining the vibrant style of the cooler Carneros region with the more opulent style of the warmer St. Helena region. The nose opens with fresh aromas of lemon zest and Honeycrisp apple followed by richer, sweeter notes of apricot, orange blossom, and honeycomb. A touch of oak spice and some minerality bring depth and complexity to the nose. The palate has a bright, lively, refreshing acidity that is balanced by a creamy texture reminiscent of lemon custard. The wine is framed by a taut structure that creates tension and energy, leading into an enduring finish.
